Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from Satellite Imagery

Numerous satellites are able to acquire stereo imagery, allowing LAND INFO to create Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) (Digital Surface Model DSMs, Digital Terrain Models DTMs, nDSM Height Models and 3D vector contour data on a global basis.) High-res (30 cm – 50cm) stereo satellite imagery is ideal for site-specific projects requiring the highest level of accuracy and detail. Medium-resolution satellite stereo imagery such as SPOT-6 1.5m and ALOS 2.5m is more affordable for large-area coverage. Radar imagery fulfills a unique need in being able to map high cloud-cover tropical areas where optical imagery coverage would prove difficult.

LAND INFO offers multiple DEM options, including coverage we custom create from stereo pairs and DEMs produced directly by satellite operators including Maxar Precision 3D (P3D, formerly Vricon) and Airbus WorldDEM/WorldDEM Neo.  Land Info is one of the world’s largest re-sellers/processors of elevation solutions, we’re adept at QA and creating additional value.  Off-the-shelf (OTS) DEM data purchased directly from the satellite operators has faster turn-around, is less expensive and has less cloud cover risk, whereas DEMs custom-produced by LAND INFO offer the greatest flexibility.

The ability to create Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) in addition to Digital Surface Models (DSMs) will vary based on the ground cover of the area in question.

In areas where in-line stereo isn’t available, LAND INFO may be able to offer multi-view photogrammetry from overlapping satellite scenes as a faster and less expensive alternative.